National homicide monitoring program reveals new insights into parricide in Australia

The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) has released a study that examines the characteristics of parricide in Australia, using 35 years of data from the National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP).

The study reveals that rates of parricide, the murder of a parent by their child, in Australia are generally equivalent to the prevalence recorded internationally, accounting for about 5% of all homicides annually.

AIC Deputy Director Dr. Rick Brown said the study highlights a greater need to consider this form of violence in responses to family violence.

"Parricide is a distinct form of homicide with similar proportions of mothers and fathers being victims.

"The research also shows that sons are more likely to kill their fathers and daughters more likely to kill their mothers," said Dr. Brown.

The National Homicide Monitoring Program has collected and analyzed information on all homicide incidents, victims and offenders in Australia since 1990. The establishment of the NHMP was recommended by the National Committee on Violence and has been made possible by the cooperation and continued support of all Australian police services and the National Coronial Information System.

More information:
Samantha Bricknell et al, Parricide in Australia: Findings from the National Homicide Monitoring Program, (2025). DOI: 10.52922/sb77987

Provided by Australian Institute of Criminology